I probably get angry at some point every day (or every other day, maybe). So what does the Bible say about getting angry? We all do it - so is it a sin?
In your anger, do not sin: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
-Ephesians 4:26
Paul is NOT telling Christians they should never be angry. He is telling them that when they are angry, they should control themselves and keep from sinning. So if your mom does something that seems unfair, you can get angry and it isn't a sin. If you disrespect your mom because you are angry, you have sinned.
Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. -Ecclesiastes 7:9
The second part of the first scripture is Paul saying that we should forgive others the same day that they hurt us. We should not let night come and still be angry. This is not just some weird rule that Paul gave to make things difficult for us - it is for our own good! Holding on to anger is like drinking a poison and expecting the other person to get sick. It hurts US.
More importantly we choose to forgive others NOT because they "deserve" it, but because Jesus has forgiven us and we want to be like Christ.
Lord, help me think of people that I am angry at (or who are angry at me) and help me to forgive (or ask forgiveness). Help me to remember how you have forgiven me when I sin, so I have no right to not forgive someone else. I love you.
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